Strength in Numbers

While praying this morning the Holy Spirit reminded me "there is strength in numbers."  Often I have shamed myself for thinking in terms of how many attend the bible study I have the privilege to teach.

 

So it took me by surprise to hear the words "strength in numbers."  

Often we get so comfortable with just the average or enough that we forget more can be better.  See we live in a world where pride is rampantly dangerous!  However that pride is all too often based on "self".  You know what I mean, the "it's all about me" generation.  If we think of our home church becoming big or bigger, some of us shiver because we won't be the same or we won't know everyone.  In some cases perhaps it’s that we won't know everyone's business (just saying). 

This morning I am reminded that Jesus is very comfortable with numbers especially when speaking of His Kingdom.   In Matthew 9, He tells us (his disciples) that the harvest is plenty but the workers are few.  Jesus said these things after going throughout the cities and villages teaching, proclaiming (preaching) the gospel and healing.  Now there is another sermon for sure, the work that is to yet to be done!  But let me move on.

Paraphrasing verses from Matthew 25, the master says to his servant “here take these 5 talents multiply them and bring them back to me.”  The servant did as commanded! The master saw and said "well done, good and faithful servant."

In Matthew 16, Jesus told Peter "on this I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."  Don't you agree Jesus must be about building and numbers?

In "Ministry Life Coaching" (my class) God has given me two fundamental sayings which are our platform for going forward.  We are "not in competition but we are into reproduction (making disciples)".   And the second fundamental saying truly tells us how we are able to accomplish that task.  "Our Spiritual Gifts are God's abilities given to us for His glory and to build His Kingdom."

To my Fort Mill Church of God peers and the Ministry Life Coaching group, friend's day is coming. Have you decided to help build His Kingdom?  Remember "there is strength in numbers!"  And to my blogger friends, how about you?  Are you busy building His Kingdom?

 

In His Service,
Linda J

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

This and another encouraging devotions can be read at Spiritual Sundays

Hide and Seek

Thoughts of my son, Michael and his youngest daughter danced into my mind this morning during my quiet time. Thoughts of how Rebecca would be downstairs with me and as soon as she heard Michael come in the kitchen door she would run into my bathroom to hide.  Making his way downstairs he would begin to say "where is Rebecca?"  Although she always hid in the same place, he would open other doors in his search for her.  As soon as his hand touched the bathroom door handle her laughter would begin.  With her ear-piercing screams of delight, she would run to receive his hugs and kisses.

There are periods in my life when I go eagerly into my prayer closet.  As I go it is as though every part of my being is crying out to be with God.  However during the dark unsure periods of my life I find myself hiding.  The prayer closet seems almost dangerous and certainly a place that guilt of being so unsure will have to be dealt with.

This morning as I thought of Rebecca's father playing the game with her, I realized like Rebecca though I hide I know my Father will come to seek and find me.  When He enters the room (my heart,) my every sense of being screams with the delight of a child being loved.

Just as Michael knew where his daughter hides so my Heavenly Father knows where this daughter hides.  Can we truly hide from God? Of course not!  Does God know of my guilty feelings and of my lack of faith?  Of course He does! Still He will come calling, "daughter, where are you?" 

 

Psalm 139:1-12 - NLT

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.

You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!

I can never escape from your Spirit!

I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.

Picture Credit: http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll118/Jacazza/Hide-N-Go-Seek.jpg